Story highlights

This SpongeBob Squarepants-looking little guy is a stubby squid. It was discovered by the E/V Nautilus off the coast of southern California. And oddly enough, it's wearing the exact expression you'd expect from someone whose day was interrupted by a giant picture-taking alien diving craft.

Stubby squids are closely related to cuttlefish, but as one of the scientists in the video aptly points out, it just looks like some kid dropped their toy on the sea floor. (More like cuddlefish, right? Heh.)

Lest you think you shouldn't be amused by something as deeply unscientific as the random markings of a random cephalopod, pay attention to the scientists in the video. They are just as charmed as you are.